The Use of Trichoderma sp. as a Starter of Fermentation Dry Teak Leaves (Tectona grandis) as Animal Feed

Abstract

There were many starter that has been produced for the fermentation of forages. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of starter Trichoderma sp. within fermentation to compare to other starter to increase the physical quality of dry teak leaves as animal feed. This study conducted Completely Randomized Design (CRD) experimental method, consisted of 4 treatments (T0: Control; T1: SOC; T2: EM4 and T3: Trichoderma sp.) and 3 replications. This study conducted a the fermentation for 14 days. Observations of the temperature and pH are conducted once in every two days. Bacteria and fungi are calculated on day seven and fourteen using total cell count method. The results showed that Trichoderma sp. increase the physical quality of dry teak leaves (color, smell, texture and fungi) signi cantly (P <0.05). The highest Trichoderma sp. obtained T3 (4,5 x 104 cfu/g) while the number of bacteria achieved by T1 and T2. In aplying the fermentation for 14 days is recomended. The conclusion of this study indicates that Trichoderma sp. is the suitable starter for fermentation of dry teak leaves.